Transforming Lives Through Reentry

Our founder made a personal commitment to his father, who expressed deep pride in his son’s accomplishments. In honor of that commitment, he pursued and completed a doctoral degree. Using the financial resources left to him, he established Renaissance South LA, Inc. in 2013—a mental health and substance abuse facility dedicated to supporting inner-city youth.

From 2013 to 2018, Renaissance South LA, Inc. provided harm reduction, evidence-based treatments to over 150 youths and young adults, primarily from the Lynwood and Compton Unified School Districts. The program also supported family reunification efforts for clients referred by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The organization’s mission was rooted in offering second chances and instilling hope in individuals who, like the founder, once needed a new beginning.

In addition to running the facility, the founder began teaching at ITT College, where he inspired numerous students. His teaching journey later extended to Riverside Community College, where he served as an adjunct faculty member for several years. Driven by a desire to impact education more broadly, he also became involved in K–12 education, particularly within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), where his own children attended school.

His work has included close collaboration with magnet school coordinators and school principals to promote parent engagement and student success. He remains committed to supporting youth, especially those from communities disproportionately impacted by the justice system. The overarching goal is to offer encouragement, opportunity, and guidance to young Black students throughout Los Angeles County who may feel that their future is uncertain.